I know this was started in June but OP, did you buy / sell / trade ??? Man this is like reading a story with no end...

Glad to hear your wife is ok. Whatever you decide or life decides for you GOOD LUCK! I know what it's like to regret selling or losing a car...

-Ray

Well, here's the ending . We kept the JCW, because BMW increased the price of a 128i way too much, especially with how they ended up packaging things. It's hard to justify spending 3-5k extra on the same car.

I actually enjoy the JCW more and more as the 128i nostalgia wears off. It also doesn't hurt that we picked up an '04 Boxster to play with .

Unfortunately, we're probably out of the BMW market unless they actually release a 2 series grand coupe or come to their senses and shrink the 3 back down.

Just saw this thread today. Having been through a car accident myself (i'm a girl), I am happy to know your wife is back behind the wheel. BMW or not, it's what she's comfortable with driving that is the most important aspect.

I'm sure she'll crave another BMW someday, but for now embrace being able to enjoy your passion for cars together! My bf and I do the very same

We work on MINI Coopers all day, every day. The pre-2007 MCS is a much more compelling car from a design and driving standpoint. I know they're getting a little old, but anybody looking for a cool beater or track car, look no further than a 2005 or 2006 MCS.

Well, here's the ending . We kept the JCW, because BMW increased the price of a 128i way too much, especially with how they ended up packaging things. It's hard to justify spending 3-5k extra on the same car.

I actually enjoy the JCW more and more as the 128i nostalgia wears off. It also doesn't hurt that we picked up an '04 Boxster to play with .

Unfortunately, we're probably out of the BMW market unless they actually release a 2 series grand coupe or come to their senses and shrink the 3 back down.

I've thought the same thing recently about the price of the 135. It seems crazy that the cost of a new 135 similar to mine has increased over $4,500, but I guess that's just how the economy fluctuates over time. I was going to suggest searching for a used 128 with 6MT, though it looks like you guys already filled that gap with the Boxster, which is also a very fun ride.

If you wait for BMW 2 series, i think the case of Xenons will be like with the new 3.

Its great to hear that people appreciate the 128i despite having fast cars. I think it really is the NA 6, and the legacy of BMW I6 over the last 20 + years

The 128 is probably the most "pure" BMW experience of their modern offerings. I do think that driving a slower car fast can sometimes be more fun than driving a quicker car. I certainly enjoy driving my E30 just as much as my other quicker cars, but what it really boils down to is that it is nice to have some variety.

The 128 is probably the most "pure" BMW experience of their modern offerings. I do think that driving a slower car fast can sometimes be more fun than driving a quicker car. I certainly enjoy driving my E30 just as much as my other quicker cars, but what it really boils down to is that it is nice to have some variety.

It sure is. My wife and I drive the new 3 series with the turbo 4 back to back with the 128i. Even though the 328i was so much faster with the turbo 4, the 128i won us over with it's more precise handling, better engine sound and most importantly, it was not nearly as huge as the new 3 series. The new 3 is way too big.